Bengaluru: Godliness, but no cleanliness here

Bengaluru: The Banashankari Temple ward is a glaring example of the government’s apathy towards cleanliness and public health. Footpaths on the road from Banashankari temple to the masjid have been encroached upon and have turned into a garbage dump. The residents complain that the situation has remained the same for several years and despite the BBMP regularly clearing garbage, the spot opposite BWSSB’s office continues to see uncleared garbage piles. 

On the cleanliness of the area, a resident, Mr Anshuman Roy, who has been staying in the area for the past two years, said that it is increasingly becoming unhygienic. “I have not seen garbage being cleaned regularly. The citizens too are responsible for throwing garbage without segregation. School buses cross the area every day. Imagine the impact abandoned garbage will have on the health of children,” he said. 

On reaching the spot, DC found wet waste dumped on vacant plots and broken slabs from footpaths clogging the drain.

Also, the footpaths have been encroached upon by roadside eateries. During traffic jams, it is next to impossible for pedestrians to walk on this road. 

“Half of the street is covered with garbage, while footpaths meant for walkers are either broken or encroached upon,” said Mr Nishikanth, who recently shifted to Banashankari. 

He went on to say that it is next to impossible to get the corporator on phone. “Does the corporator not know that the area from where he is elected should be cleaned regularly and footpaths be cleared of encroachments,” asked Mr Nishikanth. 

A student from Dayananda Sagar Institutions, who wished not to be identified, said that the eateries throw leftover food in vacant plots. “The government should come out with a solution to this problem. But it should not affect the business of eateries, as it could lead to loss of jobs. Every citizen has a right to a clean environment,” he said. 

We clear encroachers but they return, says Ravi Kumar, BBMP Assistant Engineer​
The footpaths near the temple have been seen encroached upon. What is the BBMP doing?
The area near the temple is a slum. We regularly remove encroachments from the footpaths, but they come back within no time. If you go further in the area, you will see that most of the vendors have been removed from the footpaths. 

The slabs on the footpath are broken and it has also turned into a garbage dump. How can you ensure cleanliness?
First, let me make it very clear that a separate department looks after garbage clearance. On the issue of broken slabs, we have undertaken repair works. Roads are being repaired by the BBMP Major Roads Department. Soon, all the walkways will be repaired. 

Has the ward been allocated enough funds to carry out repair works and maintain cleanliness?
Funds are a major issue. If the government releases funds in instalments, it is difficult for us to carry out developmental activities. Despite that, we are doing everything possible to improve the conditions.